Delta Dawn & me upon our arrival at the Omni Houston Hotel (photo by Kim Coffman)
Most English Springer Spaniels are at home running through a grassy meadow or trudging through the marsh. But after Delta Dawn‘s big day at the aniMeals Best Friends Brunch I realize that her ideal habitat is a luxury hotel.
I wrote a post a month back about the aniMeals Best Friends Brunch (Kick-off party for Best Friends Brunch – TroysArt.com). The Best Friends Brunch benefited aniMeals on Wheels, a division of Interfaith Ministries Meals on Wheels program. I found out about the charity through my friends, sisters Kristy Phillips and Wendy Phillips who, with Teena Davis, served as brunch co-chairs. The program was conceived after Interfaith administrators for the Meals on Wheels program questioned drivers about what they were learning on their routes. Seems recipients were not finishing their meals in order to save a portion for their four-legged companions. The aniMeals program was created to provide pet food so that home-bound seniors would not feel compelled to share their limited food with pets.
A design sketch for Delta Dawn’s outfit.
The highlight of the event was a fashion show, and of course Delta Dawn made her runway debut. I had a couple of months to plan an outfit and there was no way that my portly pooch was wearing off the rack. A sporting breed, I was hesitant to put her is some kind of a tutu so I designed a two piece full body cape for which I selected a lovely violet toned velvet. And from the vintage aurora rhinestone broach to the mink collar, the look was lavish. To coordinate my outfit with hers I wore a violet and gold Atelier Versace tie, but for the fashion show added a matching velvet scarf of my own.
Delta Dawn’s custom made mink & velvet dog suit.
Unfortunately we did not win. But it was a fantastic experience. And I do wish that I had a picture of us on stage!
After the brunch we mixed and mingled. My friend Bret Baccus, an Interfaith Ministries board member, was in attendance; his dog Rocko wore Burberry. And pal Kirk Longmire was present with the cute little King Charles Cavalier that he’s caring for, in Gucci. Also mingling were Dan Lueken, Cody Soutar, baseball legend Jackie Moore, BARC’s Linda Barrett, and Interfaith’s Chief Development Officer Kent Loftin.
The lobby of Omni Houston Hotel at Riverway featuring original paintings by David Addickes.
Once we exited the ballroom we took over the lobby—we ordered champagne and food. The lobby of the Omni Houston Hotel is attractive; the most distinguishing feature is their collection of original David Addickes oil paintings. It was a lovely backdrop for Delta Dawn to hold court!
Interfaith’s Jacqueline Armstrong announced shortly after the brunch that over $80,000 was raised. She added, “Please know that we are deeply grateful for your support, your work is truly making an impact on seniors and their pets!”
Co-chair Wendy Phillips & me in the lobby of the Omni Houston Hotel.
It was one of the best fund raisers that I’ve attended, that enjoyment heightened by the inclusion of our dogs in the ballroom and at the table. So of course this will be a yearly date for us. I only wonder what Delta Dawn will wear to next year’s event?